Dresden

I do not mean to open a can of worms with this post, I am just curious.Do equal standards apply in other dojos out there or does rank at your place spmetimes receive some special justification.Such as "she is pretty good for a girl" or "hes not bad for as old as he is."Sensei and I are friends on a pesonal level outside the dojo and inside I push myself HARD.Some nights though it seems impossible to please him.I know why he picks but sometimes I cant help but think to myself "but look at so and so,what about them?"

where I study there are very specific time at rank guidelines governing how frequently you can test.These guidelines are MINIMUMS.IT takes at least 3 years and normally 4to6 years for shodan.That is because our Sensei loves us.As he tells us the difference between one student who made black belt and one who didnt is that one of them quit.

Good luck on your test.Train in EVERY class as though you were testing then on the day of the test its just another class.

this reply is to Bshidoman 69Appareantly I dont have aenouugh posts to do this directly to you.I live in Topeka and attend Acclaim Protective Arts Accademy.We study Traditional Okinawan Karate under the watchful eye ofSempai Jay Overly

I have often heard my Sensei speak of ryu te.We are Traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu and Sensei says Ryu Te is similar yet FAR more intricate and complex.Sensei is awesome[35 years practicing] and yet he dearly wishes there was a ryu te school around here.Dont let the opportunity pass you by even though I hear you may spend days outside the dojo holding pails of water with a book balanced on your head.{Smile}

Saturday I tested for my 5th kyu.When Sensei went over my test sheet with me he said the first half was excellent,My basics and walking exercises were right on.I tested with another student who was going for 7th kyu.When we went through one on one sets I had to slow down a notch because my classmate is slower and much less intense.I like him and am not going to blaze him just to make myself look good,what to do?

Shodan in Shotokan testing for 5th kyu greenbelt next Saturday in Shorin Ryu.

I studied Shotokan for many years at a sparring oriented dojo,with little emphasis placed on kata.Shotokan katas use mostly backstance as opposed to catstance.18 months ago I started studying traditional Okinawan Shorin Ryu with a HEAVY emphasis on kata.This style employs catstance exstensively and mine STINKS!!!I am 46,6ft tall and weigh 210.Ive worked construction for many years and am in real good shape.I can do sidesplits and lay my chest on the ground so I dont feel that I have flexibility issues.My problem is that in catstance I can get very little bend in my back knee while keeping my back straight.Can someone offer advice please?